Big Creek Campground
03 reviewsBig Creek Road #537, 5 miles east and 24 miles north of St. Maries, ID
Big Creek Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$10 per night for a single site, including up to two vehicles. Additional vehicles are $5 per night, with a limit of three vehicles per site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single campsite fees but do not apply to additional vehicle or other fees.
About this campground
Nestled along the banks of pristine Big Creek, this intimate nine-site campground invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in Idaho's untamed wilderness. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite offers a private retreat among towering pines, while vault toilets and a peaceful day-use area provide essential amenities. From casting a line into the creek's crystal-clear waters to exploring miles of National Recreation Trails, Big Creek serves as your gateway to authentic backcountry experiences. Berry enthusiasts will delight in seasonal foraging opportunities, while hunters find themselves in prime territory. As you explore, you'll discover remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp that once stood here, adding layers of American history to your outdoor adventure. The campground operates on a Pack it In Pack it Out principle, ensuring this natural sanctuary remains pristine for generations to come.
Big Creek Campground provides traditional campsites suited for tents and possibly RVs, but it lacks luxury or additional lodging facilities.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the grounds where young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps once labored during the Great Depression, transforming this wilderness into accessible recreation land. Their legacy lives on in the trails you hike and the forest they helped preserve, making every visit a journey through both natural beauty and American history.
Weather and SeasonsBig Creek's dramatic seasonal transformations create distinctly different camping experiences throughout the year. Spring arrives tentatively in May, with winter's grip occasionally reasserting itself through surprise snowfalls and crisp mountain air. As summer unfolds from June through August, the campground truly comes alive under azure skies and warm sunshine – these golden months offer the perfect conditions for creek-side relaxation and trail exploration. Come September, autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, though visitors should prepare for nature's moodier side with increased rainfall and cooler temperatures that hint at the approaching winter.
ElevationWhile specific elevation data awaits documentation, Big Creek Campground sits within Idaho's mountainous terrain, offering that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean.
Natural Features and SceneryBig Creek meanders through the campground like nature's soundtrack, its gentle babbling providing a constant companion to your wilderness retreat. Towering evergreens create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The lush understory, characteristic of the Idaho Panhandle's temperate forests, harbors diverse wildlife – from curious deer at dawn to the occasional glimpse of more elusive forest inhabitants. Morning mists often rise from the creek, creating ethereal scenes that photographers dream of capturing.
Geological RegionSituated within the spectacular Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Big Creek Campground showcases the region's signature landscape where ancient geological forces carved deep valleys and rushing waterways through dense coniferous forests. This northern Idaho wonderland represents millions of years of natural sculpting, where rivers and streams have carved their paths through the mountainous terrain, creating the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features have been described.
Sites SizeThere are 9 campsites at Big Creek Campground. No further details on site sizes have been provided.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews note: "Nice quiet campground with some nicely separated camp spots" and "nicely separated camp spots right close to the creek." This indicates a moderate level of privacy.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLook for sites closest to the creek for better views and access to water.
Best CampsitesUsers highlighted campsites near the creek for their proximity to water and separation between sites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24/7
Check-out
Open 24/7
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum stay per trip.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 3 vehicles and comparable number of guests per site.
Groups
No group camping information is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNine individual camp units scattered around the creek, offering separation and privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May through September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available on official websites or at ranger district offices.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites available but subject to fill patterns during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyStandard cancellation policies apply when reservations are made through an official platform; fees may be non-refundable.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The authoritative source mentions several activities ranging from fishing and hiking to berry picking and hunting. User reviews emphasize the appeal of nearby trails and creek access.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available, including National Recreation Trails. A user review highlights trail access with one specific trail, Dautery, described as having a 'black diamond difficulty hill climb at the start.'Fishing
Fishing is available in the river/stream at this campground. No specific details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are provided.Swimming
Swimming activities are supported, as the creek near the campground is described as 'beautiful clear creek' in user reviews.Biking
User reviews mention that dirt biking is a popular activity. One reviewer states, 'We ride dirt bikes out of here for 4 days,' offering details about routes extending to Silver Mountain.Wildlife viewing
The campground is known for scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities, as noted in authoritative sources.Winter Activities
No winter activities are explicitly mentioned in authoritative content or user reviews.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned; assume standard Idaho forest fire precautions.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife encounters typical of forested areas. Lack of potable water and the need for self-sufficiency highlighted.
Active alertsNone reported, but campers should verify with the St. Joe Ranger District for current updates.
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 12%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
St. Maries Office, St. Joe Ranger District, 222 S. 7th, Suite #1, St. Maries, ID 83861 (208) 245-2531
Good to know
Peak season datesMay through September.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a 'Pack it In, Pack it Out' system, meaning visitors are responsible for taking their waste with them.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Big Creek, providing opportunities for fishing and swimming.
Common complaintsNo potable water availability mentioned in user reviews. Lack of modern amenities such as hookups or food storage lockers.
HostNo information regarding campground hosts is provided.
Campground Map
Big Creek Road #537, 5 miles east and 24 miles north of St. Maries, ID
Driving directionsDrive 24 miles east of St. Maries, Idaho to Calder on the St. Joe River Road. Then follow County Road 5 miles east, then 3 miles north on Big Creek Road #537.
Accessible via paved and county-maintained roads, but requires navigation on Big Creek Road, which may have unpaved portions.Nearby places
Calder (~30 minutes, ~5 miles east), St. Maries (~24 miles)
Nearby supplies
Calder (~30 minutes) for food or drinks
fuel and groceries most likely available in St. Maries (~24 miles away).
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Big Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews often describe Big Creek Campground as quiet, scenic, and close to good trails and a clear creek. Privacy between sites is appreciated, and the campground is noted for its connection to outdoor activities like dirt biking and hiking.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include its quiet atmosphere, proximity to scenic trails, and clear creek. Privacy between sites is frequently praised.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
No common complaints are explicitly detailed in user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend exploring the trails near the campground, with one reviewer highlighting a challenging trail called Dautery. Another reviewer suggests visiting nearby Calder (30 minutes away) for...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Camping is available from May to September, aligning with favorable weather conditions. No specific seasonal trends are discussed in user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice quiet campground with some nicely separated camp spots." - James Kaiser. "This is a lovely campground with nicely separated camp spots right close to the creek." - Jennifer Steele. "We ride...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specifically address individual campsite numbers or rankings.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information on pet policies or experiences has been provided.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025